We’re also committed to improving the health of the environment. Our research into climate change has led to climate adaptation strategies being put in place in 11 cities across Europe, while more than 350 organisations a year use our online tool for assessing the impact of greenspace in urban areas. Our expertise is sought by businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint, with organisations in more than 70 countries using our carbon-calculator to achieve benefits totalling more than £450 million.

We’re at the centre of research and development in graphene, the wonder material whose properties were first isolated in Manchester. For example, we’re launching a graphene lightbulb that offers lower energy emissions, longer life and lower manufacturing costs than others on the market. Many of our innovations become industry standards, such as Selectfluor, an agent used to make the production of many top-selling pharmaceutical products safer and more efficient.

We’re influencing the people who have the power to make global trade fairer – our inaugural Global Poverty Summit brought 50 of the world’s leading poverty thinkers to Manchester and concluded with two major international declarations.

By working internationally, we’re able to tackle challenges even beyond this planet. Our Jodrell Bank Observatory is the international headquarters for the Square Kilometre Array, the world’s largest radio telescope. The telescope will allow us to answer some of the biggest questions about the universe.

Accessing our research

In our Faculties and Schools, as well as through dedicated Centres, Institutes and initiatives, we bring together our resources to help policymakers, businesses and communities benefit from our research.